High School

Gateway to the Future – Grade 9 to 12

The FIS High School consists of Grade 9 through to Grade 12.

Students in current Grade 9 will follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP 4 and 5) for two years. Current Grade 10 students will be undertaking the International General Certificates in Secondary Education (IGCSE), which will then be phased out. Both the MYP and IGCSE provide the basis for a balanced international curriculum which is designed to encourage high academic standards through a practical approach to teaching and learning. Both the MYP and the IGCSE offer a solid foundation to students who will be participating in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12.

Students in Grades 11 and 12 may opt to follow a modified program leading to a High School Diploma without the IB Diploma. The MYP, IGCSE, IB and High School Diploma Programs foster the attributes that the FIS cherishes; namely, the nurturing of international mindedness, the respect for all cultures, responsible global citizenship and equipping students with the tools to be a life-long learner. These are the core values of the FIS High School.

International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)

The IGCSE examinations, administered by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), are well-recognized international qualifications for 14 to 16-year-olds. The IGCSE is acknowledged by leading universities and employers, and is an international passport to future progression and success. Leading universities and employers worldwide accept Cambridge IGCSE as evidence of academic ability.

IGCSE Recognition in Bavaria

The IGCSE exams are recognized by the Zeugnisanerkennungsstelle für den Freistaat Bayern as an equivalent to the Mittlerer Schulabschluss, a school graduation award at age 16, but only when the following combination of subjects is passed with a grade C or above:

Two languages, typically German and English (English only accepted at First Language level)

Mathematics

Science

History or Geography

The authoritative and detailed information on IGCSE recognition by the Zeugnisanerkennungsstelle should be carefully consulted in the following document:

The process of recognition has to be undertaken by the parents/students themselves, on an individual basis, at the Zeugnisanerkennungsstelle für den Freistaat Bayern. It is recommended to make initial contact with the Zeugnisanerkennungsstelle by the end of Grade 9, to confirm requirements, process and timeline.

Please note that, as of 2019, the office where IB MYP and Diploma Programme recognitions are received and processed is in Gunzenhausen (formerly in Munich):

The Middle Years Programme in High School

Over the past 25 years, the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) has aimed to develop active learners and internationally minded young people who can empathize with others and pursue lives of purpose and meaning. This program aligns with the FIS Mission and Vision, and empowers students to inquire into a wide range of issues and ideas of significance locally, nationally and globally. Aligning with our strategic plan, the MYP helps students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. Schools choose to offer the MYP because research shows that it gives students the opportunity to build confidence in managing their own learning, to learn by doing, to connect the classroom to the larger world, to consistently have greater success in IB Diploma Programme examinations, and to develop an understanding of global challenges and a commitment to act as responsible citizens. (Adapted from “About the MYP”)

The MYP, that begins in Middle School with the first three years of the program (MYP 1 to 3), continues into High School for its final two years in Grades 9 and 10 (MYP 4 and 5), and provides sound preparation for students who will be participating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. Every student is also given the opportunity to graduate in Grade 12 with the FIS High School Diploma.

For detailed information about the IBDP curriculum and courses, please refer to the MYP 4 and 5 Booklet under Documents.

The MYP requires at least 50 hours of teaching time for each subject group in each year of the program. In MYP years 4 and 5, students have the option to take courses from six of the eight subject groups within certain limits, to provide greater flexibility in meeting local requirements and individual student learning needs (MYP curriculum).

MYP Recognition in Bavaria

The MYP is recognized by the Zeugnisanerkennungsstelle für den Freistaat Bayern as an equivalent to the Mittlerer Schulabschluss, a school graduation awarded at age 16. The authoritative and detailed information on MYP recognition by the Zeugnisanerkennungsstelle should be carefully consulted in the following document:

The process of recognition has to be undertaken by the parents/students themselves, on an individual basis, at the Zeugnisanerkennungsstelle für den Freistaat Bayern. It is recommended to make initial contact with the Zeugnisanerkennungsstelle by the end of Grade 9, to confirm requirements, process and timeline

Please note that, as of 2019, the office where IB MYP and Diploma Programme recognitions are received and processed is in Gunzenhausen (formerly in Munich):

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

The rigor of the IB Diploma and Certificates is recognized by universities and colleges around the world. Some institutions actively recruit Diploma students. Most universities and colleges have IB recognition criteria published on their websites. Some insist on a Diploma with a minimum of 28 points and/or 5 points, or better, in Higher Level subjects. Prestigious institutions often have higher minimum standards such as 6 or 7 points in Higher Level subjects. The IB website has details of many of these conditions for recognition.

Students who wish to study at Bavarian universities must meet conditions set by the Bavarian Ministry of Education, and their Diploma may be transcribed to an equivalent status with the Abitur. These conditions include Mathematics at Higher or Standard Level, one “A” language, and one second language at Higher Level, etc. The Bavarian Ministry of Education made changes for the recognition of the diploma in April 2019 and they can be found below.

For detailed information about the IBDP curriculum and courses, please refer to the IBDP booklet under Documents.

FIS High School Diploma

Every student is given the opportunity to graduate in Grade 12 with the FIS High School Diploma. This diploma is offered in addition to the IGCSE and IB. The IGCSE and the IB are academically challenging programs, therefore it is hoped that the FIS High School Diploma will be the minimum requirement with which every student will be graduating.

All students who successfully complete their studies receive a FIS High School Diploma. Credits are earned per semester for grades of 3 or higher in each course taken in Grades 9 to 12.

The minimum requirement for a FIS High School Diploma is 24 units of credit as follows:

For award of the High School Diploma, students must demonstrate continuous participation in the Service as Action (Grades 9 and 10) and Creativity Activity Service programs (Grades 11 and 12), meeting all stated learning objectives.

Continuous participation in Physical Education is required for graduation.

In High School, an overall minimum 85% attendance level (including excused and unexcused absences) is required for successful graduation and the award of a High School Diploma.

At the exceptional discretion of the Director, students who do meet all of the above criteria, but have nonetheless demonstrated valid academic achievement, to the required level, in other ways, may be awarded a High School Diploma. In such a case, the Diploma will be supported by an explanatory letter, issued to the student.

The FIS High School Diploma is recognised for entry into a number of American colleges through our accreditation with New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC). As well, in combination with a SAT score of 1300 or above, a FIS High School Diploma is recognised for study in German universities.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is experiential education, it is learning from experience. CAS aims at developing the personality of the students, helping them become more active, compassionate and aware citizens than they would have been otherwise. CAS has its genesis in the academic work of David Kolb and Roger Fry and the writings of Kurt Hahn, the reknowned German educationalist. Students at the Franconian International School are required to engage in meaningful and global CAS activities from Grades 9 to 12. CAS is not an academic content area and does not mandate a grade, but it is a requirement to graduate.

BOOKBRIDGE – a Core CAS Project at the FIS

BOOKBRIDGE strives for a worldwide balanced access to education, regardless of religious, ethnical or geographic origin. By providing access to books and quality education, we empower people with a sustainable basis to help themselves and therefore break the cycle of poverty. BOOKBRIDGE would not be possible without the exceptional support of our strong partners. The students at the FIS collect and sort all donated books and continue their efforts by traveling to Mongolia to build libraries for the book collections. This is an authentic CAS activity focusing on “Every Book Counts” and together we achieve more.

World Challenge

The FIS has participated in two successful World Challenge expeditions since 2013. One team spent 10 days in Romania developing a community project that promoted the use of natural water resources in the town of Tusnad. Another team spent 14 days in Morocco, where they worked to improve a local school in Ouarzazate and hiked the Atlas Mountains.

World Challenge provides educational expeditions in the developing world which teach life skills and expand minds outside the classroom. As the original school expeditions company, World Challenge offers an unrivalled range of expeditions geared to the education of young people. With over 20 years of experience, students and teachers benefit from a level of expedition safety and service second to none.

University & Careers

The Career Exploration and University Advising Program at the FIS supports students in developing capacities for career success, as well as direction in determining next steps beyond High School.

Career Exploration

In Grades 9 and 10 students investigate the world of work, identifying personal interests, preferences, motivations, abilities, and talents that influence career choice and success. To aid in this process, the FIS utilizes the Morrisby Profile, which provides students with an interactive, personalized career planning tool.

Grade 10 students embark on a two-week work experience, or practicum, where they step into the world of work to gain experience in potential career fields. In preparation, students research placements, create CVs and LinkedIn profiles, and apply, based on interests.

Developing Global Employment Readiness

The changing global workplace and its accompanying requisite employability skills and traits are key topics addressed within the Career Exploration Program, through Advisory sessions, our annual Career Day, Work Experience, skills-based workshops, and presentations by guest speakers. These topics are also imbedded into the general curriculum.

Higher Education Advising

Applying to university and other educational programs is an exciting and revealing experience that gives students the chance to further examine who they are, what they value, and what direction they would like to take. Navigating this process can at times be complicated and time-consuming, and the FIS provides guidance and support to students and parents as they research, make choices, visit campuses, select, and apply to institutions worldwide.

Managing the Transition

With a view to the transition out of High School, as well as transitions to come, a focus is placed on how to manage the potential personal, social, and cultural challenges of change. It is our aim that students leave the FIS at the end of Grade 12 comfortably equipped with both practical skills and understandings for independent living, as well as an understanding of how “leaving well” is important to a healthy transition emotionally.